Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag selected Casemiro for Manchester United’s clash with Omonia, after publicly backing the midfielder ahead of the game.
Casemiro will be quietly pleased with his performance, which while not quite perfect, was a step forward in his Manchester United career.
United need Casemiro to start stacking up games and getting used to his teammates. Pundit Owen Hargreaves told BT Sport, “I’m sure Casemiro will play, it’s just a question of who plays with him.”
Paul Scholes praised the ‘control’ and passing ability Casemiro brings to the team but noted that he may need an energetic player like Fred or Scott McTominay alongside him.
The Brazil international played 82 minutes, with McTominay coming on to close the game out with United leading 3-2.
Casemiro takes a step forward
Casemiro will be pleased with his display, even if he won’t be satisfied with the way Manchester United conceded two goals.
He made exactly 100 touches, a figure only bettered by teammate Christian Eriksen (109), mixing up his long and short passing.
Casemiro attempted 10 long balls, completing six, with an overall 81 per cent pass completion rate.
It was off the ball where he had the biggest impact, making seven ball recoveries, while winning a total of 13 duels.
This came with winning five out of six ground duels, and eight out of nine aerial duels.
His ability to win the ball back played a big part in United dominating possession with 73 per cent, and only some wasteful finishing prevented United from winning by a higher margin.
United had 28 shots at goal, although managed only eight on target. On another night, the team would have won by a far higher margin.
This match was a test for Casemiro ahead of a battle at Goodison Park on Sunday, and there was enough in his performance to be encouraged about, and Erik ten Hag will be tempted to keep him in the starting line-up.
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